Divisional Picks: Where Anything Can Happen

I think there is a possibility that every team has a valid chance to win this weekend and that should excite the fans who do not have teams in the round of eight because that means we are going to get four really good games hopefully.  Arizona vs. Minnesota and Baltimore vs. NY Jets/San Diego wouldn't be fun at all next week, I think those games are the kiss of death for the NFL  

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints- The Cardinals were impressive last weekend but let's remember how old Kurt Warner is... I could care less about his postseason stats, he has been proven to be inconsistent all year with good and bad games.  Once again, not having Anquan Boldin will hurt them unless Early Doucet plays out of his mind again this week. The Saints are a better passing/rushing team than the Green Bay Packers who they gave up forty-five points.  I think Drew Brees wants this Super Bowl more than any quarterback right now and I think the Saints will play inspired football in the Superdome.  I see the Saints getting a key defense stop in the third proving to be the difference maker.  NO 42-34  

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts- I don't know why but I have a feeling this going to be a game where millions of people are left wondering what the hell happen as if they were in The Hangover of something. Maybe it's Bill Simmons' theory on the wackiness of the Saturday Night game or just that Ed Reed is at full health making this team a lot better. I live with a Colts fan and I remember him always weary of teams with strong running games making the Ravens a prime example. The Colts I feel need a big game out of their running attack because if they can get a couple big gains that will allow Manning to expand the field. I think this game will rely on Billy Cundiff only to miss to the field goal, breaking the Ravens hearts.  IND 23-21  

Dallas Cowboys at Minnesota Vikings- People have been discussing on how this is the best game of the week, which I would agree I am the most excited for this particular game but I could see this game being a blowout either way with some help. I am taking the Cowboys and here is why... Antoine Winfield is a step slower since coming back leading Miles Austin to have a big day, the Vikes line has been shaky all of December and once DeMarcus Ware came back the Boys' front seven looks unbeatable. Finally, Flozell Adams is good enough to contain Jared Allen. Funny, I didn't mention Mr. Favre or Mr. Romo because I think they cancel each other out, both play well.  DAL 28-24 

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers- I think this game is just as interesting as the one above because people still do not trust in the Jets and that might be a mistake. People are talking about Vincent Jackson's height at 6'5, but Andre Johnson is 6'4, so is Marques Colston, Darrelle Revis shut them down plus I could see him playing with a chip on his shoulder.  The Chargers allowed 4.5 yards per rush, which could mean a big day for Shonn Greene and Thomas Jones.  I completely agree with the ESPN folk that Antonio Gates is the difference maker in the ball game and could have big game, the offensive line for the Chargers is also key. I think Sanchise leads a final drive for the ages on Sunday.  NYJ 24-20 

-Charlie.